Thursday, July 31, 2008

Jason Reeves at Soma tonight

LA-based singer/songwriter Jason Reeves. Heis performing tonight at Soma with Jon McLaughlin.

Jason was named one of Top Indie Singer-Songwriters of 2007 by iTunes. Heco-wrote 10 tracks on Colbie Caillat's platinum-selling breakthrough album"Coco" including hits "Bubbly" and "Realize."

Warner bros. recently signed Jason and will make his album The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (and Other Frightening Tales) available digitallyAug 12, and in stores September 9th.

www.myspace.com/jasonreeves

Ane Brun to tour US in support of new effort

Norwegian Songstress Ane Brun Releases Her Sophomore US Release On “Changing Of The Seasons” On Cheap Lullaby Records On October 14th

After wowing stateside critics and fans with her US debut “A Temporary Dive” in 2006, Ane returns to the states for a string of tour dates starting off at this years CMJ

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and vocalist, Ane Brun, hails from Norway but makes her home in Stockholm. She started her indie label DetErMine Records together with The Tiny´s lead singer Ellekari Larsson in 2002 where she released her Scanadvian debut “Spending Time with Morgan”. The album was subsequently released all over Europe to rave reviews and was nominated for the Swedish Independent Music awards “Manifest” in 2003.

Her second album “A Temporary dive” was released in Europe, the US and in Japan. The album got wonderful reviews all over the world, and it gave her a Norwegian Grammy for best Female Artist 2005. She was nominated as best Norwegian Act on European MTV Music Awards 2005, best Norwegian song of the century (Norwegian National Radio) and best Swedish Female Pop Artist at the Grammis.

In November 2005 she released “Duets” which is an album consisting of 10 duets with 10 wonderful artists. The single “Lift” with Norwegian band Madrugada became a radio favorite, and gave her another Norwegian Grammy. The album “Duets” consists of songs feat. Teitur, Tobias Fröberg, Liv Widell, Wendy McNeill, Ron Sexsmith, Syd Matters, Tingsek, Ellekari Larsson from The Tiny, Madrugada and Lars Bygden.

The last few years Ane Brun has been touring all over the world. After a tour with the DMF String Quintet, Staffan Johansson and Nina Kinert around Scandinavia in 2006, she released her first live album ”Live in Scandinavia”, winter 2007. The album is a collection of the songs from Ane’s 3 three albums, but this time dressed up in new arrangements for strings.Ane’s fifth album, and third studio album, and second US release ”Changing of the Seasons” will be released in 2008. The album is produced by Valgeir Sigurdsson (Björk, Sigur Ros, Múm, Bonnie Prince Billy, Coco Rosie, Maps, and more).

US Tour dates:
10:22- The Living Room-New York, NY
10.24- Iota Club and Café- Arlington, VA
10.25- Attucks Theatre- Norfolk, VA
10.28- Café Du Nord- San Fransico, CA
10.30- Hotel Café- Los Angeles, CA
11.01- Schubas Tavern- Chicago, IL

More to come....

http://www.anebrun.com
http://www.myspace.com/anebrun

Candlebox debuts at #32 and on tour

Candlebox return to familiar territory this week, The Billboard Top 200. Their new album, Into The Sun, debuts at #32 today on the Billboard Top 200, scanning 14,378 copies. Into The Sun is out on Silent Majority Group through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. Candlebox’s 2008 lineup features 3 of the founding 4 members...founding members that have led Candlebox to sell over 6 million albums together. The original Candlebox songwriting team of singer Kevin Martin and guitarist Peter Klett along with original drummer Scott Mercado have been reunited and Into The Sun marks the band's first new record in ten years.

"Stand," the first single off Into The Sun, is off to a great start at radio. It's in rotation at over 100 Active/Alternative/Mainstream Rock stations across the country. "Stand" is currently climbing the BDS Active Rock chart thanks to big support from KISW/Seattle, KOMP/Las Vegas, WRIF/Detroit, WIIL/Chicago, WMMS/Cleveland, WRFF/Philadelphia, WXDX/Pittsburgh, Octane/Sirius, Squizz/XM and Music Choice. Clip of Candlebox's Kevin Martin talking about the video for "Stand": http://streamos.eastwestrock.com/qtime/eastwest/candlebox/cbox_hint.mov

Candlebox Feature on Fox News: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/music/index.html (Top right feature in the FOX KNOWS MUSIC section).

"Fans of the band's smash hits like "You" and "Far Behind" - which remain in heavy rotation on rock radio - are again likely to be enthralled with Kevin Martin's soaring vocals and Peter Klett's chugging riffs and melodic psychedelia-infused leads {on Into The Sun}." - Associated Press

"Totally eschewing the grunge tag once slapped onto the band, Candlebox morphs into a solid, streamlined rock force 15 years after its dizzying success." - Dallas Morning News

Upcoming Candlebox Headlining Dates:
07/31/08 Abilene, TX Midnite Rodeo 3
08/01/08 Dallas, TX The Palladium Ballroom
08/02/08 Houston, TX Warehouse Live
08/04/08 San Antonio, TX Scout Bar
08/05/08 Waco, TX Whiskey River (Formerly Grahams Central)
08/06/08 Odessa, TX Dos Amigos (Outdoors)
08/08/08 Corpus Christi, TX The Pavilion @ Concrete Street
08/09/08 San Angelo, TX Grahams
08/11/08 Little Rock, AR Revolution Music Room (The Rev Room)
08/12/08 Mobile, AL Soul Kitchen
08/13/08 Ft. Walton Beach, FL The Swamp
08/15/08 Petersburg, FL Jannus Landing
08/16/08 Ft. Myers, FL Ricochet's
08/17/08 Sebastian, FL Captain Hirams Resort
08/19/08 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room
08/20/08 Port St. Lucie, FL Mojo Room
08/22/08 Lake Buena Vista, FL House of Blues
08/23/08 Jacksonville, FL Free Bird Live
08/24/07 Charleston, SC The Music Farm
08/27/08 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
08/28/08 Buffalo, NY Thursday at the Square
08/29/08 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
09/02/08 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
09/03/08 Johnson City, NY Magic City Music Hall
09/05/08 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
09/06/08 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
09/07/08 Towson, MD The Recher Theatre
09/09/08 Norfolk, VA The Norva
09/10/08 Charlotte, NC Amo's Southend
09/12/08 Cookeville, TN The Depot
10/04/08 Fountain Hills, AZ Ft. McDowell Resort and Casino

MySpace: www.myspace.com/candlebox

Support local music with Sin City Social Club

July 31st
JOHN MELLENCAMP
with Special Guest
*** Lucinda Williams***
The Greek Theatre Ticket Link:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900408EC4CA5652?artistid=770615&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

RECORDS WE’VE BEEN DYING FOR YOU TO HEAR :

IN STORES NOW:
GRETA GAINES – WHISKEY THOUGHTS (Justice Records) - www.gretagaines.com “Whiskey Thoughts” reviewed in the latest Vintage Guitar Magazine: “One of 2008’s best records, with an invigorating mix of country, rock and R&B. Songs are incredibly well-written, vocals airtight and playing near perfect. And this stands out as one of the year’s biggest surprises. Not bad for a woman who’s done everything from being a pro-snowboarder to hosting her own fishing show on ESPN 2.” —JH

UPCOMING RELEASES:
AUGUST 19th - GLEN CAMPBELL - MEET GLEN CAMPBELL (Capitol Records) Meet Glen Campbell welcomes the discovery and the re-discovery of the legend, his music, and his artistry. With a distinguished music career that spans more than five decades, Glen Campbell has returned to his longtime label home Capitol Records recording 10 new tracks for Meet Glen Campbell.

TUNE IN:
SIN CITY SOCIAL CLUB has a radio station/playlist on PANDORA - you can listen to Mama Shi’s favorites and discover music on Pandora while you’re at work or at the beach! It even sync’s to your iPhone! www.pandora.com - you can search for stations from their homepage.

IN FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT – if you’re flying on Continental Airlines this month be sure to tune into the country channel – Bryson and I host a fun show and this show (Aug./Sept.) you can hear songs from Wilco & Billy Bragg, James Intveld, Shurman, Brian Wright & The Waco Tragedies, I See Hawks In LA, Glen Campbell, The Mother Truckers, Mike Ness and Dead Rock West! The show also airs on Copa (So. America) and Singapore Airlines so if you’re traveling abroad we’ll be there to keep you company – just bring us back some cool gifts! (wink)

SAVE THE DATE:
JULY 31st - “SANCTIFIED AMERICANA” featuring MIKE FARRIS & THE ROSELAND RHYTHM REVUE + MICHELLE SHOCKED at Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series - 7pm FREE

JUST ADDED: SUNDAY, AUGUST 3rd – SIN CITY SOCIAL CLUB – AUSTIN - @ The SCOOT INN with SHURMAN, AUSTIN COLLINS, DAVE INSLEY & THE CARELESS SMOKERS - only $5 - doors are at 7pm, outdoor stage, potluck, friends, ice cold refreshing beverages!

WEDNESDAYS starting JULY 30th – Mark & Sarah’s Beezle Happy Hour @ Hole In The Wall 6-8pm FREE + Drink Specials and great music from: Randy Weeks (7/30), No Show Ponies (7/30), Pehr Smith & Friends (8/6) American Graveyard (8/6), Collin Herring (8/13), Grub Dog & The Modestos (8/13), Austin Collins (8/20), Shawn Nelson (8/20), Jane Bond (8/27) and more TBA Visit www.msartistdevelopment.com

AUGUST 15th ** NEW DATE ** – LOS ANGELES – SIN CITY ALL STARS and Friends celebrate “Double Nickels” birthday bash for Dusty, Dave Raven and Chris Lawrence!

AUGUST 19TH – LOS ANGELES – GLEN CAMPBELL CD RELEASE SHOW @ THE TROUBADOUR! Stay tuned for details...

AUGUST 21st – LOS ANGELES – JOHN DOE @ Levitt Pavillion for the performing arts in Pasadena

AUGUST 24TH – AUSTIN – SIN CITY SOCIAL CLUB @ The Scoot Inn – Pot Luck, Guitar Pull and more...doors at 6pm

SEPTEMBER 17th – 20th – NASHVILLE – 8th MUSIC ASSOC. FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE - www.americanamusic.org

SEPTEMBER 26th – 28th - AUSTIN - ACL FEST! Www.aclfestival.com

ADIOS!
Shilah Morrow
Sin City Social Club
LA * Austin * Nashville
7800 Indian Ridge Dr.
Austin, TX 78737
213.840.3865 – mobile
512.215.2748 – land line
For more info. on events & projects please visit:
www.sincitysocialclub.com
www.myspace.com/sincityshilah
www.jessedayton.com
www.justicerecords.com
www.americanamusic.org

The Sin City Social Club is a renegade collective of musicians, fans, artists and industry executives brought together by shared appreciation of the art and culture that blur the lines between classic, outlaw & alt. country, punk rock, americana and indie singer songwriters. We turn fans around the globe onto the music and art we love thru our Sin City Social Club cd Samplers, live events, In flight audio programming and thru our home away from home on the internet.

** Wherever you are, Sin City is a state of mind! **

Kollaboration's Acoustic 2 Saturday almost sold out

PK presents BLACK SHEEP COMEDY - The other side of AmericaAnother slice of Americana You're invited to the beta launch: http://www.blacksheepcomedy.com baaah baaah... JOIN www.blacksheepcomedy.com as a member now and win prizes, t-shirts, CDs, tickets to Kollaboration and comedy shows, and celebrity parties!

KOLLABORATION PRESENTS: ACOUSTIC 2 - Almost sold out! Sat. Aug. 2 at The Ford Amphitheater in HollywoodEnjoy great music sitting under the summer stars. You can bring a picnic, food, and drinks! Almost sold out! Limited tickets available: http://www.kollaboration.org/Tickets/Los-Angeles/PK.html

Kollaboration Acoustic 2 AFTERPARTY! Join us after the show at The Hollywood Canteen! Kollaboration Acoustic 2 Afterparty
10pm at
The Hollywood Canteen
1006 Seward St.
Los Angeles
DJ Da-man-age .
$20 at the door
ONLY $5 with a Kollaboration Ticket Stub FREE with a VIP Ticket Stub.
For table and bottle service, please daniejung@gmail.com by Friday Aug. 1st.
Kollab Acoustic 2. Almost sold out! Limited tickets available: http://www.kollaboration.org/Tickets/Los-Angeles/PK.html


Kollaboration Acoustic 2
Saturday, August 2, 2008 @ 7PM
Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood, CA
2580 Cahuenga Blvd.
East Hollywood CA 90068

Also enjoy a picnic dinner at the Ford! Come 2 hours early & enjoy a dinner under the stars.


Parking Information
Parking - $10 with stacked parking OR
Satellite Parking & Shuttle Service for Ford Amphitheatre – FREE SERVICE
Shuttles start running 2 hours before the show time at 20 minute intervals which is located @ the Universal City Metro Station at Lankershim Blvd. and Camp de Cahuenga in the "Kiss and ride" area. Parking is free in the Metro Station lot.

The address of the Universal City Metro Station is:
Lankershim Blvd & Universal Terrace Parkway, North Hollywood, CA 91608

Alice Cooper at Wiltern canceled

From Live Nation:

FYI - This show is no longer playing out.
Sorry for the inconvenience.

ALICE COOPER
With Special Guest
The Wiltern
September 4, 2008

Mike Munro returns to Meliah Rage

Throughout the course of their career, Meliah Rage has refused to let line-up changes derail or silence the mighty metal quintet from Boston, Massachusetts. And the group continues to live by this rule, as they've just announced the re-entry of the group's original frontman, Mike Munro.

After singer Paul Souza exited the band late last year, a six-month search for a suitable replacement began, which led to a dead end. That is, until producer Rich Spillberg suggested that they should contact Munro, and get back to their roots. After being out of Meliah Rage for over a decade, Munro is back for more, joining band mates Anthony Nichols (guitar), Jim Koury (guitar), Darren Lourie (bass), and Stu Dowie (drums).

And in a twist of fate, the last Meliah Rage release to feature Munro, 'Death Valley Dream,' was recently remastered, with its release – July 29th (yesterday) - coming right on the heels of the announcement of Munro's return. To mark the album's reissue, a rare, never seen before video from that record is currently being re-edited, and will be posted on the band's website and Myspace page in the near future. Additionally, the Munro-fronted Meliah Rage is currently working on a new record with producer Spillberg (who has worked with everyone from Steel Assassin to Josh Grobin), at Red Devil Recording in Stoughton, MA, and should be on store shelves by early 2009.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next phase of Meliah Rage, which promises to be one of their best yet!

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/meliahrage
www.meliahrage.com

Portugal. The Man inks unique agreement to release new effort

As the music industry continues to adapt to allow artists to be more involved in their careers - an act that was perhaps accelerated by Radiohead's most recent release - and the band's desire to cater more to their fans, Portugal. The Man and their label and publishing company, Approaching AIRBalloons, and Equal Vision Records have inked a unique agreement, it has been announced. The first release under this exceptional deal will be P.TM's third full-length CD, Censored Colors, set for a September 16, 2008 release.

One of the factors that makes this partnership so unique is that the members of Portugal. The Man will share in the risk as well as in the rewards with Equal Vision, something that is easier for a Platinum act (like Radiohead) than a developing artist. Having self-financed the "Censored Colors" album, and while they had other label options, P.TM welcomed the idea of having an "open canvas" with Equal Vision, where they could work at their own pace and be intimately involved in all factors of their recording career.

Under the mainstream radar, Portugal. The Man has garnered an incredible buzz with the release of two earlier full-length CDs, 2006's Walter: "You Vultures!" and 2007's Church Mouth (the latter of which debuted on the Billboard Top Alternative New Artists chart at luck #13), and three EPs, The Pines, the Devil (2006), Devil Say I, I Say Air (digital EP, 2006), and It's Complicated Being a Wizard (2007). They have amassed kudos from an array of media outlets like Filter ("Portugal The Man hasn't merely evolved from the avant-garde, neo-soul that shaped their earliest works, they've transcended it") and Alternative Press ("...it's the songs that truly set this band apart").

Portugal. The Man's unique sound has its roots firmly in front man/songwriter John Baldwin Gourley's abstract vision and unique upbringing. Gourley was raised in a remote log cabin on the outskirts of Wasilla, Alaska that was powered by a generator and had no phone. His mom and dad doubled as a team of dog sled mushers. Add in an extended period of homelessness, a love of science fiction and a desire to make music that does not sound like every other band, and the genesis of Portugal. The Man was formed.

Gourley and childhood friend Zachary Scott Carothers formed P.TM in 2003 with Portland, OR's Jason Sechrist joining in 2005. To this day, PTM employs a rotating cast of guest musicians outside of the core four. Gourley is also an accomplished visual artist having created the stunning artwork for the "Censored Colors" package as well as P.TM's previous releases, tour posters, t-shirts and other items.)

The band intends to tour extensively in support of Censored Colors. P.TM - guitarist/singer/songwriter Gourley, bassist/singer Carothers, newest full-time member keyboardist/singer Ryan Neighbors, and drummer Garrett Lunceford (who replaces Jason Sechrist) - is currently on the road supporting RX Bandits for six-weeks worth of U.S. dates, will then headline a European tour from September 10 to October 4, then, beginning October 14, will headline their own 38-city U.S. tour (initial dates below). Support for this tour will be Earl Greyhound and Wintersleep. Portugal. The Man's current U.S. dates with RX Bandits, and initial dates for the bend's Fall headline tour are as follows:

(with RX Bandits)

JULY
30 The Fillmore @ The TLA, Philadelphia, PA
31 School of Rock, S. Hackensack, NJ

AUGUST
1 Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
2 Harper's Ferry, Boston, MA
4 The Club at Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
5 Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights, OH
6 Magic Stick, Detroit, MI
7 Metro, Chicago, IL
8 2 Cents Plain, St. Louis, MO
9 The Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS
10 Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
12 Marquis Theatre, Portland, OR
13 Avalon Theatre, Salt Lake City, UT
15 El Corazon, Seattle, WA
16 Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
17 The Boardwalk, Orangevale, CA
18 Slim's, San Francisco, CA
22 The Glass House, Pomona, CA
23 Jillian's, Las Vegas, NV
27 The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
28 The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
30 SOMA, San Diego, CA
31 The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ

SEPTEMBER
1 The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ

(September 10 - October 4 - European Tour)

(U.S. Fall headline tour)

OCTOBER
14 The Exit, Fresno, CA
15 Clubhouse, Phoenix, AZ
17 Rock Bottom, San Antonio, TX
18 Emo's, Austin, TX
19 Meridian, Houston, TX
20 House of Blues/Parish Room, New Orleans, LA
22 State Theatre, Tampa, FL
23 The Social, Orlando, FL
24 Jack Rabbits, Jacksonville, FL
25 The 7 Venue, Douglasville, GA
26 The Brewery, Raleigh, NC
27 Canal Club, Richmond VA
29 Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
30 Philadelphia, PA31 Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

NOVEMBER
1 School of Rock, Hackensack, NJ
2 Harper's Ferry, Boston, MA

(more dates TBA)

Brother to perform at Dublin Irish Fest in Ohio and touring

BROTHER returns to Dublin Irish Fest in Ohio this weekend. The band will be closing the festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3 .

Angus - "It's some years since we played Dublin. I believe it was the Rick and Roel days, in the early 21st century, and a particularly steamy weekend if I remember rightly. There are some other great bands in the lineup this year, so we'll be there early..."

Dublin Irish Fest
Coffman Park
Dublin, OH
Saturday, August 2nd
10 pm, Celtic Rock Stage
Sunday, August 3rd
6:30 pm, Celtic Rock Stage

The following week the fellas return to Musikfest in Bethlehem PA, Thursday and Friday, August 7 and 8.

Angus - "We first played Musikfest in the early nineties. It's always a highlight. That big old tent seems to pulsate with a life of its own."

Other upcoming dates:
Aug 13 River Rhythms, Milwaukee, WI
Aug 14 Alive at Five, Albany, NY
Sep 5-7 Longs Peak Irish Fest, Estes Park, CO
Sep 13 Hoolie Fest, Sonora, CA
Sep 19 Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA

Road Journal
Angus talks about being in LA, work on the new CD, and veggies in the garden in his latest road journal entry. Check it out at www.BROTHERmusic.com

Digital DownloadsTracks from Pax Romana MMV and Urban Cave are available for purchase at iTunes and Rhapsody. Spread the news. Leave a review.
Rhapsody: http://mp3.rhapsody.com/brother2

iTunes: http://www.itunes.com/ (search for Urban Cave and Pax Romana MMV)

Unreleased BROTHER tracks can be purchased from the band's Mongrel Marketplace on http://www.brothermusic.com/.

Plans are in the works to make back catalog albums available for digital download.

BROTHER
BROTHERmusic.com

NPR Music to webcast and broadcast Newport Folk Festival and JVC Jazz Festival performances

For the first time, NPR Music, together with NPR Member stations WBGO/Jazz88.3FM in Newark, NJ, and WFUV 90.7FM New York, will live webcast and broadcast four days of performances from Festival Network’s Newport Folk Festival and JVC Jazz Festival Newport in August, offering music by esteemed folk, rock, country, jazz, reggae and blues artists. All of the concerts will be streamed live and free, and archived for on-demand listening at NPR Music: www.NPR.org/music Select concerts will also be podcast.

As part of this festival coverage, NPR Music, WBGO and WFUV will also produce radio specials from the festivals, highlighting standout performances and interviews with musicians. The broadcast specials will air on NPR Member stations across the country. Throughout the festivals, NPR will also host a live web chat at www.NPR.org/music NPR Music is a media partner for both festivals, and is teaming with Festival Network on its webcasts and broadcasts of the concerts.

NPR Music and WFUV will webcast more than 10 performances from the biggest names playing the Newport Folk Festival over two days: Saturday, August 2 from noon to 5:00PM (ET) and Sunday, August 3 from 11:30AM to 3:00PM (ET). WFUV will also broadcast live from the festival on August 2. Confirmed artists include Jim James of My Morning Jacket; She & Him, the musical pairing of M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel; and folk-funk pioneer Richie Havens, who returns to the festival after 17 years. NPR Music will also webcast concerts by Gillian Welch, Steve Earle and Alison Moorer, Calexico, Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers, Cowboy Junkies and Brandy Carlile. The webcasts will be co-hosted by Bob Boilen, host and creator of the popular NPR Music show All Songs Considered, and WFUV host and music director Rita Houston. Updated artist lists and performance schedules are at: www.nprmusic.org/newportfolkfestival

The following weekend, August 9 and 10, NPR Music and WBGO team up to live webcast main stage acts from the JVC Jazz Festival Newport. WBGO will also broadcast live from 11:30AM to 2:00PM (ET) on both days. On the bill are legendary pianist Herbie Hancock; producer, performer and Jazz Festival founder George Wein; guitarist Howard Alden; along with rising jazz stars Esperanza Spalding and Guillermo Klein y Los Guachos. WBGO special projects producer Josh Jackson will host the Jazz Festival webcasts. Updated artist lists and performance schedules are at: www.nprmusic.org/jvcjazzfestnewport

NPR Music frequently live webcasts concerts from venues across the country as part of its continuing “Live in Concert” series, which has featured more than 100 live events to date. In March, NPR Music, WFUV and several other Member stations traveled to Austin, TX, to live webcast and broadcast 14 concerts from South by Southwest, among them R.E.M., My Morning Jacket and Yo La Tengo. Earlier this summer, NPR Music and WBGO launched the site’s first concert series of live jazz webcasts, “Live at the Village Vanguard,” which offers monthly shows from the legendary New York City venue. The NPR Music Concert Calendar lists all upcoming live webcasts, and calendar reminders for Google Mail or Outlook: www.NPR.org/concertcalendar

NPR Music launched in November 2007 as a free, comprehensive music discovery destination, featuring content from NPR, WBGO, WFVU and 10 other NPR Member public radio stations, as well as original-to-NPR Music features such as live performances, studio sessions, interviews, reviews and blogs. Specific sections of the site are dedicated to rock/pop/folk, classical, jazz/blues, world and urban music. The site culls from NPR’s and the stations’ extensive music archives to present thousands of features; its popular Concert section offers hundreds of regional and national web concerts, with more than 15 new performances added each month. NPR Music also offers dozens of original public radio music podcasts.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Support local music with Sierra Madre Sue

Blues harp player Rick Germond has had many different bands over the years, that have all had one thing in common - a very unique name. The first ones that I remember seeing were Crazy Legs and the Curbfeelers. Since then, in no particular order, other incarnations have included: Eight Ball Blaines, Primordial Slim, and The Unknown Maracas.

His current project, THE CAIN ENABLERS, are appearing this SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd at the BUCCANEER LOUNGE in SIERRA MADRE at 9pm.

Harmonica-driven instrumentals and original tunes with interesting lyrics are their specialty, along with classic Blues covers. Complete gig details below, and band photo.

From left to right: RICK REED, bass: RICK GERMOND, harmonica: PETER BURKE, drums; and BRUCE McADAM, guitar.

Check 'em out - you'll be glad you did!
_____________________________________________________________

Today!!! WED. 7/30 - VIN FIZ FLYER @ THE FARMERS' MARKET IN SIERRA MADRE, 6pm. In the Mariposa parking lot, behind the Buccaneer, etc. Food & beverages available for purchase. "Bluegrass with a bit more fiz."

Tonight!!! WED. 7/30 - aka MAX BUDA @ THE OLD TOWNE PUB IN PASADENA, 9pm. Corner of Fair Oaks & Union, behind the Container Store. Enter thru alley off of Holly Ave. No cover, beer only (wine maybe?) Eclectic Jazzy Blues Rock (!) and no - Bruen's not back in this band either.

THURS. 7/31 - LISA FINNIE & FRIENDS @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 8 - 11pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover, all ages. Beautiful and talented Country/Western torch singer and guitar player, who always has some quality musicians backing her up - and I know Marc Doten will be on bass. I'm looking forward to seeing Lisa make her debut at one of my favorite venues, and hope to see ALL OF YOU there as well!

FRI. 8/1 - DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN (The MELLOW D's) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 9pm Happy Hour. 311 W. Foothill Blvd. 626-358-3231. NO COVER. Full bar, limited food menu. Acoustic Guitar, vocals. Cool dude/hot chick! http://www.davidvalentinoosti.com/

8/1 - 1st FRIDAY ART CLUB OPENING AND PARTY @ McGINTY'S GALLERY AT THE END OF THE WORLD IN ALTADENA, 7pm - 1am. 2475 N. Lake Ave. 626-794-8779. $5. Group Art show. Live music by THE SUNDOWNERS and ALMASE ARABESQUE belly dancing duo. Followed by Potluck BBQ & Open Mic on Saturday and Mimosa & Bloody Mary Brunch on Sunday.

FRI. 8/1 - JETSTREAM @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, lots o' free parking in back. "High Altitude Rock" from Jet and friends.

SAT. 8/2 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. Saturday BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 8/2 - Open Mic Night @ the FRETHOUSE in Covina. 309 N. Citrus Ave. (626) 339-7020. Always on the first Saturday of the month, and just one dollar for performers or audience. Sign-up starts at 7:30. If there aren't enough slots for everybody they'll make a list for the next month, and call you. Each act gets two songs or ten minutes, whichever comes first. The show starts at 8:00. They'll have desserts and coffee ready. Bring your friends and family and join the show! www.covina.com/frethouse/

SAT. 8/2 - CAIN ENABLERS @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, cheap drinks, friendly service! BLUES. Also see the opening paragraph and band photo.

SAT. 8/2 - DAVID SERBY @ THE PRESS IN CLAREMONT, 10pm. 129 Harvard Ave. 909-625-4808. FREE. Americana/Country singer/songwriter & really nice guy!

SAT. 8/2 - MARTINI DIARIES featuring JEFF STETSON & friends @ COLOMBO'S ITALIAN STEAK HOUSE IN EAGLE ROCK, 10pm - 1am. 1833 Colorado Blvd. 323-254-9138. Full kitchen & bar. Jeff sez: first set will be Jazz & then evolve into "Acid-Lounge-Jazz-Rock!" 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month.

SUN. 8/3 - SNOTTY SCOTTY & THE HANKIES @ THE 2nd ANNUAL NAKED CROW MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE IN ALTADENA, 10am - 12pm. Concert is FREE. Event starts at 6am with registration, a pancake breakfast at 8am, vendor booths, beer garden at 10am, and more. Ever seen Scotty in spandex bike shorts? http://www.altadenanakedcrowmtnbikechallenge.com/AboutThisRace.htm

SUN. 8/3 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SUN. 8/3 - THE MERCY POWELL QUARTET @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 1:30 - 4:30pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd . 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. No cover, all ages. Mercy, Josh, Marc & Peter Burke doin' some standards & jazzy stuff for your dining & listening pleasure!

SUN. 8/3 - WRECK 'N' SOW @ BARN BURNER RESTAURANT IN PASADENA, 5 - 8pm. 1000 S. Fair Oaks Ave. 626-403-RIBS. BBQ, beer, wine. Fun Bluegrass stuff w/great harmonies & snazzy overalls! The Dupuy Brothers and friends. http://www.wrecknsow.com/

SUN. 8/3 - ALUMINUM MARSHMALLOW with the AGE OF AQUARIUS HORNS @ MEMORIAL PARK IN SIERRA MADRE, 6 - 8pm. FREE Concert in the Park sponsored by this year's 4th of July Parade Grand Marshals, the Sierra Madre Volunteer Fire Department, who will be offering free sodas & water. Bring your own dinner. All ages, lawn seating. Classic 60's & 70's Rock from Sierra Madre's favorite band!

SUN. 8/3 - "OPERA TO BROADWAY" VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 7pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. Get there early - they pack 'em in!

SUN. 8/3 - VIN FIZ FLYER @ SIERRA CUP IN MONROVIA, 8pm. 409 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-304-4214. Coffee, pastries, frozen yogurt, etc. "Bluegrass with a bit more fiz!"

Cancelled: MON. 8/4 - THE RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE @ COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE IN ALTADENA.

TUES. 8/5 - THE RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE @ LEVITT PAVILION IN PASADENA, 6 - 7pm. Corner of Raymond & Walnut. Gold Line Station is Memorial Park. Seating on the green, not sure about food.

8/5 - "TACO TUESDAY" @ MARY'S MARKET & CAFE IN SIERRA MADRE CANYON, featuring JODI & THE MINIONS doing "Standards with a high standard of standardness", 7 - 9pm. 561 Woodland Ave. 626-355-4534. Limited parking. Yummy cheap tacos! and please tip the musicians!

FRI. 8/8 - DAVE OSTI AND DEANNA COGAN (The MELLOW D's) @ THE MAYAN BAR (inside the Aztec Hotel) in MONROVIA, 6 - 9pm Happy Hour. 311 W. Foothill Blvd. 626-358-3231. NO COVER. Full bar, limited food menu. Acoustic Guitar, vocals. Cool dude/hot chick! http://www.davidvalentinoosti.com/

FRI. 8/8 - VELOURIA @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, cheap drinks, friendly service! Richard Reese's son Rick's band. Alternative Rock. Hopefully they will have their new CD finished and for sale that night.

SAT. 8/9 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. Saturday BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SAT. 8/9 - THE LATE BLOOMERS @ SIERRA CUP IN MONROVIA, 7pm. 409 S. Myrtle Ave. 626-304-4214. Coffee, pastries, frozen yogurt, etc. Sierra Madre School Principal Gayle Bluemel's group. Folk/Bluegrass/Country.

SAT. 8/9 - SNOTTY SCOTTY & THE HANKIES @ THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE IN SIERRA MADRE, 9pm. 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-355-9045. Full bar, no cover, cheap drinks! Oldies, One-hit wonders, etc. Eugene Embree and MY Birthday show!

SUN. 8/10 - BARRY "BIG B" BRENNER @ FIREFLY BISTRO IN SOUTH PASADENA, 11am - 2pm. 1009 El Centro. 626-441-2443 . All ages. BLUES Brunch under a big breezy tent. http://www.bigbbrenner.com/

SUN. 8/10 - THE SURFING SAFARIS @ GARFIELD PARK IN SOUTH PASADENA, 5 - 7pm. On Mission St., east of Fair Oaks. For more info. call: 626-403-7200. "Beach Party" tunes/Surf music. Dave Batti of John Stewart's band on bass.

SUN. 8/10 - THE GROOVE @ MEMORIAL PARK IN SIERRA MADRE, 6 - 8pm. Hermosa & S.M. Blvd., next to City Hall. 70's & 80's Rock. Ben Rushing on drums. Poor guy's gotta carry his drums across the street from where he lives!

SUN. 8/10 - "OPERA TO BROADWAY" VOCAL PERFORMANCES @ CAFE 322 IN SIERRA MADRE, 7pm. 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. 626-836-5414. Full bar and great Italian food. Every Sunday evening. Get there early - they pack 'em in!

SUN. 8/10 - THE SHEDS @ THE KNITTING FACTORY IN HOLLYWOOD, 7pm. The CaliTOURnia tour with Peaceable Jones, etc. $10. 7021 Hollywood Blvd. 323-463-0204. Ska/Reggae/Punk.

TUES. 8/12 - WRECK 'N' SOW @ THE PIKE IN LONG BEACH, 8pm - Midnight. 1836 E. 4th St. 562-437-4453. Fun Bluegrass stuff w/great harmonies & snazzy overalls! The Dupuy brothers, etc. http://www.wrecknsow.com/index.htm

Please remember to call and verify all info. before making plans. Everything is subject to change. This is show biz, after all.
Hope to see you out & about,
SierraMadreSue
sierramadresue@yahoo.com

P.S. Almost every city in the area has FREE Summer Concerts in the Park. Check their individual websites for schedules and details, or call City Hall.

FOR EVEN MORE COOL SHOWS & INFO., CHECK OUT THESE SITES:
http://cafe322.com/
http://sierracup.com/
http://www.myspace.com/piratedive
http://www.coffeegallery.com/home.html
http://www.myspace.com/americanarootsla
http://www.aliveandpicking.com/calendar.html http://www.covina.com/frethouse/concerts.html

The 44s and Bobby Bluehouse at Arcadia Blues Club

The 44s and Bobby Bluehouse band are merging blues forces for one night this Saturday, August 2nd at the Arcadia Blues Club for a very full night of blues. Their hot line up is below and there are 4 sets starting at 8pm until closing and only 10 bucks to get in and 5 bucks before 8:30 ...WOW!

Check out the website: http://srv.ezinedirector.net/?n=2355103&s=75357410

Between all this cats they know a whole bunch o blues...

Johnny Main from the 44s - guitar and vocals band leader.

Tex Nakamura (formerly of "WAR")- Harmonica & Percussion.

Daddy Rich formerly of Billy Preston Band - Trombone, Hammond B3, Keys, Vocals.

Howard Deer - Bass and Vocals with Guitar Shorty for 12 years, Studio Musician.

Big Terry - Studio Lead Guitar on a whole bunch of records.

Bobby Bluehouse - Band Leader, Drums and Vocals.

So come on out for a special blues party this Saturday night!

www.arcadiabluesclub.com

Elyse Bruce and other's hold Art From the Heart to benefit Autism Ontario

http://www.peterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1134192

7/29/2008

News Briefs

Paintings benefit autism cause

Paintings created at the first Art From the Heart fundraiser in support of Autism Ontario (Canada) will be on display at the Spaghetti House until Sunday.

On Saturday, seven teams -- made up of professional artists and business leaders -- worked together to create paintings in the parking lot of the Clonsilla Avenue restaurant, said local artist Elyse Bruce, whose son has Asperger's syndrome.

For a $5 donation, Bruce said, people can now vote for which painting they like the best.
The paintings will be on display online at www.midnightinchicago.com as well as at the Spaghetti House.

Voting is open until Sunday at midnight, she said, and the winning team will be announced Aug. 10.

The team with the most votes will present half the money raised to Autism Ontario and the other half to a local charity of their choice, she said.

Article ID# 1134192

Check out Shy Child on tour

The NME declares, “Shy Child are to Kraftwerk what The White Stripes are to Led Zeppelin!”

And here is their story... Nate Smith (Drums) and Pete Cafarella (Vox/Keytar) met at Wesleyan University in the mid-90’s where Nate had invited Pete to join his band. Although Pete was kicked out a few days later the two formed a fast friendship that would eventually lead to the formation of Shy Child once they both had relocated to NYC.

Initially the band was pursued when time permitted between their various projects. They recorded their 2004 album, “One With the Sun” with small expectations and an even smaller budget, recording it in Pete’s apartment to a computer with Chris Zane for the price of pizza and beer. It would prove to be just enough…

The band caught the attention of producer Paul Epworth (Kate Nash/Bloc Party/The Rapture) and soon they were in the studio working on new material along with the band’s previous producer, Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav/White Rabbits/Asobi Seksu). The resulting album, “Noise Won’t Stop” bristles with frantic energy and blistering tones leading with the first track “Drop The Phone” and featuring the U.S. debut sonic single, “Astronaut”. And producer/artist extraordinaire SpankRock, lends a his rapping/vocals to the slickest album track “Kick Drum.”

After a US tour with Hot Chip in November of 2006, the band took the plunge and lived as ex-pats in London for the next 8 months. The time abroad began with a full UK tour in support of their old pals Klaxons culminating in 2 sold out dates at Shepard’s Bush Empire in London. And that was just the beginning; over the course of the summer they traversed the Emerald Isle four times and played numerous shows and festivals throughout Europe. The highlights included sets at 02 Wireless, Glastonbury, The Isle of Wight, and an opening slot at Wembley Stadium with Muse. When all was finished the dynamic duo had logged over 100 dates.

In June of 2007 in the UK they appeared on the venerable program, Later With Jools Holland. On the bill with them that night were Sir Paul McCartney and Bjork, which made for some mighty company indeed. Impressed with their unique sound fashion maven Stella McCartney requested the band to be the performers for her segment in the Fashion Rocks TV special that was broadcasted throughout Europe to over 60 million viewers. And a few months later in January 08, while performing as part of Australia’s legendary Big Day Out Festival, they were asked by Bjork to open for her at the Opera House in Sydney.

Now “Noise Won’t Stop” has found it’s home on the esteemed Kill Rock Stars Label and Shy Child are spending 2008 touring the U.S. Be on the look out for this transcendent two-some.


US TOUR
Tue 7/29 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater w/ The Faint
Wed 7/30 Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue w/ The Faint
Thu 7/31 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory Concert House w/ The Faint
Fri 8/1 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom w/ The Faint
Sun 8/3 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Mon 8/4 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Tue 8/5 San Francisco, CA @ Grand Ballroom - Regency w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Thu 8/7 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Fri 8/8 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Sat 8/9 San Diego, CA @ Soma w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Mon 8/11 Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Tue 8/12 Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Thu 8/14 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Fri 8/15 Carboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Sat 8/16 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Sun 8/17 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero Theater w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Mon 8/18 NYC @ Terminal 5 w/ The Faint, Jaguar Love
Fri 8/22 Trondheim, Norway Pstereo Festival
Mon 8/25 Beirut, Lebanon The Big Bang

Lady Jazz in the Key of Grand set for Aug. 31 at the Ford

WHO: The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre and Instrumental Women, La Quetta M. Shamblee, Founder and Executive Director; Phyllis Battle, Artistic Director and Co-Music Director; and Carol Chaikin, Co-Musical Director, present The Ninth Annual Lady Jazz Concert, “LADY JAZZ IN THE KEY OF GRAND.”

WHAT: This year’s honoree, pianist Karen Hernandez, weaves Latin and Blues riffs throughout the evening’s jazz repertoire. A Hammond B-3 Organ provides the genre’s rich, Gospel undertones delivered by vocalist and keyboardist, La Carol Miles.

Featured jazz harpist and pianist, Corky Hale, takes the stage for this all-female annual showcase of master jazz musicians, which will also include bassist, Nedra Wheeler, saxophonist Carol Chaikin, drummer Maria Martinez, percussionist Estaire Godinez, trumpeter Anne King, trombonist Alisha Marie Ard and Members of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra.

Co-Hosts for the event are Jane Monreal of ABC7 and James Janisse, Los Angeles’s Gentleman of Jazz. Event Sponsors include: ABC7, KPFK-FM, Mountain View-Observer, Carnivo Liqueur, Armory Center for the Arts, L.A. Watts Times, UCLA in LA and THE Magazine.

The Song List will include: “Sister Sadie,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Life’s Too Short,” “Cherokee,” “Green Tomatoes,” “Riverside Drive,” “Over The Rainbow” and “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was,” among others. The event will be preceded by a limited Art Exhibit of select works created by Huichol Indian artists who live in the mountainous region of western, central Mexico. The exhibit, on the Ford Plaza, will open at 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Boulevard East, Hollywood, CA 90068, just off of the 101 Hollywood Freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. Grounds open two hours before show time for picnicking.

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

HOW: Tickets are $35 and $25 each for General Admission. Children 12 and under are $12 each. To buy tickets call the Box Office at 323 GO 1-FORD (323-461-3673) or buy online at www.fordtheatres.org
Groups of 8 – 15 save 10% on the regular ticket price; Groups of 16 or more save 20%. For Group Sales please call 323-769-2147.

For further information about Instrumental Womenâ, please visit www.instrumentalwomen.com

The Ford Amphitheatre grounds open two hours before show time for picnicking. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.

The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request.

On-site stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle for evening shows and FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford, is available at the Universal City Metro Station lot at Lankershim Boulevard and Campo de Cahuenga. The shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the “kiss and ride” area.

Hit The Lights is hitting the road

Hit The Lights:
Skip School, Start Fights (Triple Crown, July 8th) debuted at #97 on Billboard's Top 200. It's the follow up to 2006's buzzworthy This Is A Stickup...Don't Make It A Murder which put Hit The Lights on the map and saw them tour with New Found Glory, Paramore, Cute Is What We Aim For, Cartel and Boys Like Girls. Skip School, Start Fights was produced by Rob Freeman (Hidden In Plain View) at Pilot Studios in New Jersey and mixed by Zach Odom and Kenneth Mount (Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Cartel).

The first Hit The Lights single is "Stay Out" and you watch the "Making Of The Video" Parts 1 & 2 on Triple Crown Records in the TCR-TV section here: http://www.triplecrownrecords.com - Hit The Lights will be on the road all summer first on a Headlining Run and then with Motion City Soundtrack/Chiodos and then a big fall tour with Cobra Starship/Forever The Sickest Kids.

Confirmed HTL Dates:
Headlining:
8/10/08 Plano, TX The Plano Centre
8/16/08 Pontiac, MI The Crofoot
8/17/08 Toledo, OH Frankies
8/18/08 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
8/20/08 Tinley Park, IL Mojoes Rock House
8/21/08 Columbus, OH The Basement
8/22/08 Pittsburgh, PA Diesel
8/23/08 Sterling, VA Sterling Comm. Center
8/24/08 Towson, MD Recher Theatre
8/26/08 Rochester, NY Water St. Music Hall
8/27/08 Buffalo, NY Club Infinity
8/28/08 State College, PA Sozo
8/29/08 Poughkeepsie, NY The Loft
8/30/08 Easton, MA Quad @ Stonehill College
8/31/08 Farmingdale, NY Nutty Irishman
9/2/08 Greensboro, NC Green St.
9/3/08 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits
9/6/08 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade

w/Motion City Soundtrack & Chiodos
9/22/08 Louisville, KY Club Oasis
9/23/08 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
9/25/08 Johnson City, NY Magic City Music Hall
9/26/08 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights
9/27/08 Providence, RI Lupo's
9/28/08 New Haven, CT Toad's Place
9/30/08 Richmond, VA The National
10/1/08 Raleigh, NC Lincoln Theatre
10/2/08 Nashville, TN Rocketown

w/Cobra Starship, Forever The Sickest Kids
10/7/08 Buffalo, NY Club Infinity
10/8/08 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre
10/9/08 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
10/10/08 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
10/11/08 New York, NY Nokia Theatre
10/12/08 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
10/14/08 Detroit, MI The Majestic
10/18/08 Sauget, IL Pop's
10/19/08 Kansas City, MO Beaumont Club
10/20/08 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
10/21/08 Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theater
10/23/08 Vancouver, BC Crotation Cultural Center
10/31/08 Las Vegas, NV Jillians of Las Vegas
11/4/08 Tempe, AZ The Marquee
11/5/08 El Paso, TX Club 101
11/6/08 Tulsa, OK Cain's Ballroom
11/7/08 Dallas, TX House of Blues
11/8/08 San Antonio, TX Scout Bar
11/9/08 Houston, TX House of Blues
11/11/08 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Landing
11/12/08 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
11/13/08 Orlando, FL House of Blues
11/14/08 Atlanta, GA Masquerade
11/15/08 Charleston, SC The Music Farm
11/16/08 Charlotte, NC Tremont Music Hall
11/18/08 Richmond, VA The National
11/19/08 Baltimore, MD Sonar
11/20/08 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
11/21/08 Cheswick, PA Gravity
11/23/08 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection
11/25/08 Toronto, ON Opera House Concert Venue
11/26/08 Montreal, QU Club Soda
11/28/08 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
11/29/08 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
11/30/08 Clifton Park, NY Northern Lights

MySpace: www.myspace.com/hitthelights

Shanghai Restoration Project to perform in L.A. and NYC

The artist/producer known as the SHANGHAI RESTORATION PROJECT is gearing up to showcase new music off his impending release, Instrumentals Day And Night, in Los Angeles (August 5) and New York (August 13).

An experiment in cross-cultural soundscapes, the SHANGHAI RESTORATION PROJECT draws its creative inspiration from the old 1930s Shanghai jazz bands, reviving this exotic blend by introducing Eastern instruments to the Western sounds of hip-hop and electronica. Not only is the music an extraordinary combination of styles, but it is also widely used in many international advertising and marketing campaigns, such as Kenzo Parfums, a division of Louis Vuitton, an iPod promotion in Japan, a Rhapsody/Tivo Campaign and Sandisk Sansa MP3 Players.

The showcase experience will be enhanced by classic and modern video footage of Shanghai, bringing China a whole lot closer to those living miles away. Be sure to catch the SHANGHAI RESTORATION PROJECT and surprise guest artists on the following dates:

LOS ANGELES
Tuesday, August 5th @
THE VIPER ROOM
7:30 pm (doors open at 7:00PM)
8852 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069

NEW YORK
Wednesday, August 13th @
THE CANAL ROOM
8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30PM)
285 W. Broadway
New York, NY 10013

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Both shows are 21 and over.

The SHANGHAI RESTORATION PROJECT is signed to Warner Music’s Independent Label Group and the upcoming double disc album entitled Instrumentals Day And Night will be available worldwide on August 5, 2008.

For more information visit www.shanghairestorationproject.com.

Zagat seeking comments on New York City shopping

Calling all shop-a-holics! Zagat Survey is now conducting its online survey of New York City Shopping. Avid spenders are encouraged to vote at ZAGAT.com to share their thoughts and opinions about shopping in the Big Apple.

Surveyors are asked to rate and review stores based on their Quality, Display, Service and estimated Cost. Those who cast their votes and complete the survey from now until September 14, 2008 will receive a complimentary copy of Zagat's 2009 New York City Shopping guide when it is published.

Surveying is simple and free. After logging onto ZAGAT.com, surveyors can submit feedback at their convenience, save reviews to complete at their leisure and even revise votes if opinions change. Zagat's current surveys can be found at: http://www.zagat.com/Review/FeaturedSurveys.aspx

Unlike other guides that rely upon the opinions of a few critics, Zagat Survey content is based on the collective opinions of more than 300,000 savvy surveyors worldwide. The guides are built on the belief that consumers are best served when they have access to a variety of information resources from other avid consumers. The survey results are compiled into comprehensive, fun-to-read guidebooks that help consumers make quick, informed decisions. Zagat content is available to consumers wherever and whenever they need it: in book format, on ZAGAT.com, via the downloadable ZAGAT TO GO for smartphones and on the mobile web with the award-winning ZAGAT.mobi. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com

Extreme is back with a new studio album and tour

This summer, EXTREME will release Saudades de Rock (pronounced “sow-dodge”), their first studio album in thirteen years which will coincide with their first world tour in over twelve years. Saudades de Rock will be released on August 12th on Open E Records and distributed by Fontana.

The multi-platinum, Boston-bred band's 2008 'TAKE US ALIVE' world tour gets underway on July 29th at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and will be anchored by a hometown gig two days later at the Bank of America Pavilion. In advance of the tour, Extreme will be a co-headliner on July 11th at the five day Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor, OK. See all current dates below.

The iconic rock foursome - vocalist Gary Cherone, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, bassist Pat Badger and new drummer Kevin Figueiredo – recorded their fifth studio offering at NRG Studios in Los Angeles with Bettencourt at the helm as producer and mixer. Saudades de Rock boasts 13 tracks, including the infectious roar of "Star," the groove-laden, swagger of "King Of The Ladies", a raw funk rock anthem called "Learn To Love", and the expressive ballad "Ghost.”

“’Saudades’ was always a beautiful word to me,” Bettencourt explains about the Portuguese album moniker. “It expresses a longing; an underlying sadness for something or someone that’s been missing in your life, and never quite sure if it will ever return. In this case, for us, it’s Rock and Roll. Saudades de Rock.”

Gary Cherone adds, “I like how it expresses that longing we’ve been feeling to play for our fans and be together again.”

www.extreme-band.com
www.myspace.com/extreme


EXTREME ‘TAKE US ALIVE’ WORLD TOUR 2008:
Jul 11 – Pryor, OK @ Rocklahoma *
Jul 29 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
Jul 31 – Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion
Aug 1 – Farmingdale, NY @ Brookhaven Amphitheatre
Aug 2 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head
Aug 4 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Aug 5 – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
Aug 6 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
Aug 8 – Detroit, MI @ Emerald Theater
Aug 9 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
Aug 10 – Cincinnati, OH @ Union Center Blvd Bash
Aug 12 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
Aug 13 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
Aug 15 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
Aug 16 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
Aug 18 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
Aug 19 – Houston, TX @ Meridien
Aug 20 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
Aug 22 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Marquee
Aug 23 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Aug 25 – San Francisco, CA @ Filmore
Aug 26 – Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
Sep 13 – Milan, Italy @ Rock of Ages Festival
More dates to be added.

To date, the Grammy-nominated EXTREME has released four albums, plus a greatest hits set—selling over 10 million records worldwide. On the strength of multiple world tours, they also achieved a #1 hit single, “More Than Words”—from their 1990 multi-platinum album Extreme II: Pornograffitti—on the Billboard Hot 100, which they followed with the Top Five “Hole Hearted.” Although these two acoustic hits brought the band great mainstream success, it overshadowed the band’s trademark sound: a mix of hard rock funk in the spirit and style of their predecessors Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Queen and Van Halen—fueled by BETTENCOURT’s signature guitar flights and CHERONE’s resonant vocals—and matched with a social consciousness in their lyrics.

OPEN E RECORDS is a new label that is distributed by Fontana. A portion of Open E Records profits will be donated to Music Drives Us, a foundation created as a way to support music in New England. The Foundation also gives scholarship money for individuals who desire to continue their musical education. www.musicdrivesus.com.

Hatebreed to tour in support of live DVD

To celebrate the release of their first-ever DVD, metal hardcore pioneers Hatebreed will hit the road in support of their first ever live DVD, Live Dominance (KOCH Records). This highly-anticipated DVD will be released on the same day as the first headlining date of this tour – Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008. Tickets are on sale NOW. Joining Hatebreed will be fellow heavy hitters Emmure, Soilent Green, War of Ages, and Catalepsy.

For this special release, Hatebreed will be doing something it’s never done before by taking time out to autograph each and every copy sold of the new DVD at each of these shows. The Live Dominance DVD will be available for sale at the band’s merch table each night. Additional details will be made available soon on how the autograph signings will take place.

Jamey Jasta comments “We’re excited we managed to get these dates scheduled so we can celebrate the release of our first ever live DVD by playing an extra long set for all of our diehards! This tour will hit a bunch of cities we weren't able to hit on the Jager run so be ready to rage!!! We also plan on doing some special signings so stay tuned for more info. These will be our last shows until Stillborn Fest 08, so don’t miss out!”

Live Dominance is set to include over 2 hours of live footage including the full sold-out Detroit, Harpo’s show shot in March of this year on the band’s Supremacy tour. The multi-camera concert was filmed entirely in Hi-Definition. The DVD will also include a ton of bonus features shot specifically for the release including brand-new band interviews, bonus live videos, fan testimonials, and much much more.

Live Dominance was Directed/Edited by Toaster In A Tub’s Kevin Custer with musical production/mixing coming from Grammy Award winner, Josh Wilbur (Lamb Of God).

For more info, please visit www.myspace.com/hatebreed.

Hatebreed on The Live Dominance Tour:
9/2 – Detroit, MI – I-Rock Nightclub
9/3 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s Down Under
9/4 – Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
9/5 – Richmond, VA – The Canal Club
9/6 – Virginia Beach, VA – Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater (WFNOR’s Lunatic Luau w/ Sevendust, RATT, and more)
9/7 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
9/8 – West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
9/9 – Farmingdale, NY – The Crazy Donkey
9/10 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
9/11 – Portland, ME – The Asylum
9/12 – Hartford, CT – Webster Theater
9/13 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
9/14 – State College, PA – Lulu’s

Dwight Yoakam awarded gold record during performance

Dwight Yoakam was surprised with a presentation of his gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam” Sunday night by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau during his performance at Go Country 105’s “Summer Under The Stars” held at The Greek Theatre. Councilman Dennis Zine from the City of Los Angeles also presented Yoakam with a special proclamation.

Preparing to return to the stage to perform his encore, after a crowd pleasing set that lasted over an hour and a half, Yoakam was surprised by a special presentation that started off with Councilman Dennis Zine presenting with a proclamation making July 27, 2008 Dwight Yoakam Day in the City of Los Angeles. Vaughn and Favreau then joined Yoakam on stage presenting him with the gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam,” released by Warner Bros./Rhino Records.

Since the release of his debut album, Dwight Yoakam has gone on to sell more than 25 million albums worldwide, has been nominated for a staggering 21 Grammys, winning two Grammy Awards and was bestowed the honor of “International Artist Achievement Award” by the Country Music Association in 2007.

Dwight is also concentrating on his successful acting career. He has completed the broad comedy role of Pastor Phil for the forthcoming Lionsgate release “Four Christmases” in which he co-stars with Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon. This will be major holiday release in November. Dwight will be reprieving his role as Doc Miles in the forthcoming sequel to Crank called “Crank: High Voltage” in which he co-stars with Jason Statham and Amy Smart.

Yoakam recently re-launched his website (www.dwightyoakam.com) with the debut of The Route 23 Club (www.route23club.com), a new fan club site offering exclusive access to Yoakam content – including news, pictures, video, audio, desktop wallpapers, buddy icons and special "behind the scenes" footage. The site’s "Interact" section includes a members-only discussion board, where fans can communicate with each other, members of Yoakam's management team, and even Yoakam himself. Additionally, the club features exclusive monthly contests with prizes including signed merchandise, tour meet & greets with Yoakam and concert tickets.

Yoakam has also launched a new MySpace page (www.myspace.com/dwightyoakam) and Facebook page.

For more information on Dwight Yoakam, including message boards, tour dates and more, please visit www.dwightyoakam.com.

Walls of Jericho's latest is here and they're touring too

WALLS OF JERICHO release The American Dream on Trustkill Records, produced by Ben Schigel (Chimaira/Ringworm), featuring 12 solid tracks of metallic venom and concrete fury of hardcore/punk that the band is known for hits the street today.

“We put all that we have into this new record, and trust me; it is extremely heavy. Right now we’re calling it a ‘thrash metal delicacy” says Candace

Candace Kucsulain -vox, Dustin Schoenhofer - drums, Aaron Ruby – bass, Mike Hasty – guitar and Chris Rawson – guitar, have also perfected their hard hitting live set currently playing to sold out crowds on the Rockstar Mayhem Festival with the likes of Slipknot, Mastodon, and Dragonforce to name a few although Walls of Jericho is the only band to bring any estrogen to the tour…

"Walls Of Jericho destroyed the stage, own the mosh pit. The vocalist took away the all power of singers, and that power was ruled by the only female on the tour! Candace, of Walls Of Jericho. She is the real Mayhem!"
--Al Harbison CEO Screachen Publications July 2008

"I hold my own, I just look better in a dress."
States Walls of Jericho frontwoman Candace Kucsulain

Most bands today can be lumped into one category or another, they are shuffled, redefined, and in that way they begin to lose the qualities that make them important or meaningful. The greatest bands, the most influential and memorable, are the ones who don't try to fill the role set for them, who don't pursue anything other than the desire to make music, and the need to express their art. From the start, Walls of Jericho has had this aesthetic in mind.

“ferocious and energetic”
MetroMix Detroit July 2008

See them live:

Mayhem Festival:
July 29, 2008 Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
July 30, 2008 West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre
August 1, 2008 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
August 2, 2008 Burgettstown, PA @ Post-gazette Pavilion At Star Lake
August 3, 2008 Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion
August 4, 2008 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
August 5, 2008 Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center
August 6, 2008 Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
August 7, 2008 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's
August 8, 2008 Toronto, CA @ Downsview Park
August 9, 2008 Clarkston, MI @ Dte Energy Music Theatre
August 10, 2008 Tinley Park, IL @ First Midwest Bank Pavillion
August 11, 2008 Louisville, KY @ Uncle Pleasants
August 12, 2008 Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
August 13, 2008 Noblesville, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 14, 2008 Columbus, OH @ Al Rosa Villa
August 15, 2008 Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center
August 16, 2008 Hartford, CT @ New England Dodge Music Center
August 17, 2008 Bristow, VA @ Nissan Pavilion At Stone Ridge
August 18, 2008 Huntington, WV @ Monkey Bar
August 19, 2008 Darien Center, NY @ Darien Lakes Arts Center
August 20, 2008 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts
August 21, 2008 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank/Garden State Arts Center

http://www.trustkill.com/artist/Walls+Of+Jericho

http://www.myspace.com/wallsofjericho

Upcoming Live Nation concerts around Southern California

On Sale Friday August 1 at 1 PM:
ING Presents Juntos en Concierto
MARC ANTHONY
ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Saturday – September 13
--------------------------------

On Sale Friday, August 1st at 10 AM
THE FRATELLIS
With Special Guests:
Electric Touch & (TBA)
The Wiltern
September 16, 2008
-------------------------------

On Sale Now:
DEERHOOF
with guests Okay and The Happy Hollows
October 3rd
Avalon (Hollywood)
------------------------------------

ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES SUNSET STRIP
On Sale NOW :
Robin Thicke - August 14
Golden State, The Daylights, Malbec, Side Story - August 21
Three 6 Mafia - September 3
Shinedown, Red, Jet Black Stare - September 4
A Special R&B Performance by Wayne Brady - September 15
Foreigner - October 24

On Sale Saturday, August 2 at 10 AM:
Sean Healy Presents: Hollywood Live - August 6
Rick Ortiz Presents: Industry Night - August 13
Carcass, Suffocation, 1349, Aborted, Rotten Sound - September 18
Dr. John & The Lower 911 - October 4
Unearth, Protest The Hero, The Acacia Strain, Gwen Stacy, White Chapel - October 14
Taj Mahal : Celebrating 40 Years With The Phantom Blues Band - October 23
Cobra Starship, Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, Sing It Loud - October 30
Possessed - January 18, 2009
=======================================================================
ON SALE THIS WEEK AT HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM
On Sale NOW:
Royal Crown Revue - August 14
The Floacist - August 30
Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers - August 31
Motorhead w/ Airbourne, Valient Thorr, Year Long Disaster - September 2
Living Legends - September 28
Foreigner - October 26

On Sale Saturday, August 2 at 10 AM:
Bullet for My Valentine - September 27
Estelle & Friends - September 4
Unwritten Law: Official Record Release Party - September 12
Jorge Celedon and Jimmy Zambrano - October 19
A Special R&B Performance by Wayne Brady - October 22
Cobra Starship w/ Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, Sing It Loud - November 1
--------------------------------------------------------

On Sale Friday August 1 at 1 PM:
ING Presents Juntos en Concierto
MARC ANTHONY
ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Saturday – September 13

On Sale Friday, August 1st at 10 AM
THE FRATELLIS
With Special Guest:
Electric Touch
The Wiltern
September 16

On Sale Friday August 1st at 10 AM:
END.>VACUUMA Realization In Nine Movements Composed By
MICHAEL EINZIGER
Royce Hall (at UCLA)
Saturday, August 23rd

On Sale Now:
DEERHOOF
with guests Okay and The Happy Hollows
October 3rd
Avalon (Hollywood)

One Block Radius hits the airwaves and readies album, along with fan contest

"You Got Me," this summer's hottest Rhythm/Top 40 crossover hit, by Mercury recording group One Block Radius, goes galactic today as Los Angeles powerhouse KIIS-FM's morning DJ Ryan Seacrest premieres the brand new video on the radio station's live streaming website http://ryan.kiisfm.com/main.html.

"It's always an event when KIIS FM World Premieres a song on the radio," said Julie Pilat, Assistant Program and Music Director at KIIS Los Angeles. " Our listeners have been requesting and voting for One Block Radius each night on JoJo's Top 9 at 9. I'm sure the fans getting to see the video first on KIISFM.COM will generate a huge buzz within the KIIS FM VIP Network. They can share it with friends and chat on line about the next big group to break out of our Cali Backyards."

The L.A.-based trio's self-titled new album ONE BLOCK RADIUS will be available September 2nd at all digital and physical outlets on Mercury Records.

In advance of the album release, the track "Stand Up" is now the subject of an Internet contest with WeMix titled "16 Bars with OBR." The winner's verse will appear on an iTunes exclusive bonus version of the song, and the winner will receive full credit and an iPod.

Wemix is the New York-based online music creation community and user-generated record label joint venture launched this year by MegaMobile TV and Disturbing Tha Peace CEO and DTP/Def Jam recording artist Ludacris, who will be a judge for the contest.

Details are available at http://www.wemix.com/clip.aspx?key=8515E956827BFBDE.

"You Got Me" kicking off with Hot 100 airplay audience of 6.2 million, and bullets inside the Top 40 this week on the R&R/BDS Rhythmic and closing in on Top 40 and Mediabase Rhythmic and Mainstream Top 40 charts. One Block Radius is currently on a major market radio promotion tour leading up to the September 2nd release homecoming in Los Angeles. In New York this week, OBR head out for a national U.S. promotional tour over the next four weeks.

One Block Radius – Chico, California native Marty James, hit songwriter who worked with producers JR Rotem and The Matrix, Indiana-born DJ MDA and San Francisco's MC Z-Man – rock a sound that effortlessly crosses genres. They are equally at home sampling the White Stripes (as on "Mama's Heart") as they are A Tribe Called Quest. Fans are discovering their MySpace website http://www.myspace.com/oneblockradius, which features excerpts of "You Got Me," plus "Stand Up," "Loud And Clear," "Mama's Heart," "Up in the Hills," and "Black Mercedes."

One Block Radius has described its sound as what would happen "if Steve Winwood, Hall & Oates, Earth, Wind and Fire and David Bowie listened to some Sublime, the Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest, got high and made an album on an SP-1200." It's a different sound – and that's just how OBR likes it!

For further information go to www.oneblockradiusmusic.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

George Clinton to release new effort in October

GEORGE CLINTON, ringmaster of the longest running funk circus since James Brown’s golden age, had a dream – a dream of taking his favorite R&B, doo wop and slow jams to re-create the sexy-steamy vibe of an ol’ school “blue lights in da basement” session. So he sent out invites to his rainbow coalition of musical friends. Before long, rock icons Sly Stone, Carlos Santana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, soul crooner El DeBarge, hip hop producer The RZA, gospel star Kim Burrell, and Shavo from the alternative band System of a Down were ALL laying down grooves “on the 1!”

Members of the P-Funk All-Stars also came to the party, including Gary Shider, Belita Woods and others. The result: GEORGE CLINTON AND SOME GANGSTERS OF LOVE, a mash note to richly righteous and soulful courtship of days gone by, slated for release on Shanachie Records – October 7, 2008.

“I’ve been waiting for years to do this record,” George proclaims. “I knew that funk would come back. I knew that Motown would come back. And I knew, eventually, doo-wop would come back. I just felt I should be the one to usher it back in!”

Those who know George Clinton – the funk master who actually came up during the vocal group era – know that long before the funk mob known as Parliament-Funkadelic, he fronted a stand-up vocal group known simply as The Parliaments in 1955, which later morphed into a soul group of the same name that scored a minor hit in 1967 with “I Wanna Testify.”

At the core of George’s latter days funk there was always a lot of heart, so no one should be surprised by the top choice classics he hand-picked for his sacred detour back through music’s soul music’s tunnel of love.

Just a few of the songs near and dear to Grandpa Funk’s heart are the late, great Johnny Ace’s “Pledging My Love” from the `50s (the original of which was recorded shortly before the singer killed himself playing Russian Roulette), Motown master Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar” from the `60s, and dearly departed Maestro of Love Barry White’s “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up” from the `70s. In addition to these decades-spanning gems, GEORGE CLINTON AND SOME GANGSTERS OF LOVE also features two original Clinton compositions: an early Parliaments tune entitled “Heart Trouble” as well as the brand new “Mathematics of Love.”

George Clinton has a way of not only crossing musical boundaries but also generational boundaries. As a result, the musicians on GEORGE CLINTON AND SOME GANGSTERS OF LOVE came of age in different eras and come from different worlds.

“I want to get all the young musicians together with all the old school musicians,” George notes. “We need to come together! There shouldn’t be any division in music. Soon as we got Sly and Santana, everyone wanted to get on the bandwagon.”

Some might question how the hip-hop generation relates to romantic old school R&B, but George isn’t one of them. “Rappers have been flirting with it all along, “he says. “Even Snoop Dogg is singing! They just call it R&B now. This is only one step back from what they are doing. The simplicity of it is the connection. Anything simple is funk.”

It’s all part of George’s program to re-insert more humanistic and musical values into the contemporary landscape of today’s pop-soul music. So - once again - do not attempt to adjust your radio. There is nothing wrong. George Clinton has taken control to bring you a special show – a reminder of finer and funkier things, most righteously dubbed GEORGE CLINTON AND SOME GANGSTERS OF LOVE.

Upcoming concerts around California from Live Nation

On Sale Friday August 1st at 10 AM:
END.>VACUUMA Realization In Nine Movements Composed By
MICHAEL EINZIGER
Royce Hall (at UCLA)
Saturday, August 23rd
------------------------------


On Sale Saturday, August 2nd at 10 AM
ALICE COOPER
With Special Guest
The Wiltern
September 4, 2008

Lil Dap's latest effort out August 5

GROUP HOME'S LIL DAP UNVEILS "SON 4 REASON" FEAT. GURU (OF GANG STARR)--SOLO DEBUT "I.A.DAP"-- IN STORES AUGUST 5th

A founding member of legendary hip-hop crew Group Home, Lil Dap is a product of the renowned New York mid-nineties "golden age" of hip-hop that spawned such classic groups as M.O.P., Gang Starr & many more. Group Home's widely hailed release, "Living Proof," solidified Dap as a frontrunner of this renowned and respected era and has since seen him touring the world in preparation for his highly anticipated solo debut.

With "I.A.DAP" on deck for August 5th, Lil Dap graces fans with a preview of what's to come. The Brooklyn-born MC taps contemporary (and legendary) Guru (of Gang Starr) to guest on "Son 4 Reason." The eerie beat and airy aura permeate the track as Guru's golden tongue slices through the almost palpable musical backdrop. Complemented by Dap's distinctively cool lyrical stylings, "Son 4 Reason" is both a throwback to and a reinvigoration of the classic "golden age" sound that both defined and continues to influence an entire generation of emcees.

LISTEN TO "SON 4 REASON" FEAT. GURU NOW!
www.ihiphop.com/lildap

For more information please visit:
www.ihiphop.com/lildap
www.myspace.com/lildapgrouphome
www.babygrande.com

Afro Funke Thursdays at Zanzibar

Afro Funke' Thursdays
Zanzibar 1301 5th Street @ Arizona
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.451.2221 / 21+ / $10
www.zanzibarlive.com
www.myspace.com/afrofunke
www.rockydawuni.com/afrofunke.html
---------------------:~0~:---------------------

THIS WEEK! July 31, 2008
guest deejay: GARTH TRINIDAD
Since 1996, Garth Trinidad has been the premiere source for urban alternative music through his work as a DJ, event curator, and music supervisor. His critically acclaimed, award winning mix can be heard around the world courtesy of KCRW 89.9fm (kcrw.com) and Scion Radio (scion.com/channel11).
www.myspace.com/garthtrinidad
---------------------:~0~:---------------------

UPCOMING: August 7, 2008
Uganda's SABA SABA & BABALUKU live!
www.myspace.com/bataka
---------------------:~0~:---------------------

For more information please contact:
Cary Sullivan afrofunke@yahoo.com

Monday, July 28, 2008

Esotouric to offer John Fante tour

"Fante was my God" ­ Charles Bukowski

Skylight Books Hosts Bus Tour Celebrating Downtown LA Novelist John Fante

WHAT: Esotouric's John Fante's Dreams from Bunker Hill bus tour

WHEN: Saturday August 23, 11 am-2:30 pm, followed by book signing and reception

COST: $58, which includes post-tour reception (or get a four-tour season pass for the Summer Sale price of $180 through July 31; price is $207 after August 1)

WHERE: Departs from Skylight Books, 1818 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA, tour covers downtown locations

EXTRAS: Tour guests include Fante's daughter Vickie Fante Cohen and his biographer Stephen Cooper, signing his books at Skylight after the tour

SAVE: See the UCLA Film Archives restoration of Kent McKenzie's Bunker Hill classic "The Exiles" (screenings start 8/15) and save your ticket stub to save 15% on this tour

On August 23, Esotouric, L.A.'s most eclectic bus adventure company, presents its occasional downtown literary tour celebrating the life and work of the great, under appreciated L.A. novelist John Fante in the tour's only 2008 appearance.

John Fante was cult hero Charles Bukowski's favorite writer, his "Ask the Dust" was the film Robert Towne wanted to make after "Chinatown" (it finally was made in 2006 starring Colin Farrell, Salma Hayek, and Donald Sutherland) and he is honored with an annual festival in Italy but in 21st Century Los Angeles, his name often gets a shrug. That's too bad, because Fante might be the funniest, most heartwarming, honest and appealing writer to ever take this city as his subject. This tour is a chance to discover a great writer and the lost downtown he celebrated, through the words of tour guide and local historian Richard Schave, Fante's daughter (and bratty teenage heroine of his late short stories) Vickie Fante Cohen and his biographer Stephen Cooper.

Downtown Los Angeles is a neighborhood on the rise, with trendy loft developments, huge crowds attending the monthly Art Walk, and some of the hottest bars and restaurants in the city. But the New Downtown exists on the footprint of a fascinating old neighborhood whose stories are in danger of being lost. Many of Esotouric's tours are devoted to revealing this lost downtown, from the crimes of Hotel Horrors to the burlesque and freak show delights of Main Street Vice, the secret post war woman's history of The Real Black Dahlia to the architectural anthropology of The Many Downtowns.

On JOHN FANTE'S DREAMS OF BUNKER HILL, host Richard Schave follows in the footsteps of Fante and his anti-hero Arturo Bandini, from the lost Bunker Hill Victorian rooming houses where Fante starved and dreamed of fame, the main library where he roamed the stacks (and later, where Bukowski discovered "Ask the Dust"), the Skid Row bars where b-girls pocketed his royalty payments, the Grand Central Market where kindly Japanese farmers gave the poor writer free oranges, to the retirement home Angelus Plaza to see Kay Martin's stunning paintings of Bunker Hill's mansions just before the city condemned them

Finally the tour visits the Berendo Street apartment in Koreatown where "Ask the Dust" was penned, and which neighbors believe is haunted by Fante's spirit. Last time this tour was offered, the abandoned Berendo Street structure had been condemned after an alcoholic transient died inside; this time the tour finds this literary landmark happily in the midst of renovation.

Get on the bus to bask in the spirit of the weird old L.A. that's not there anymore, where a poor Italian-American Colorado kid could sell a novel, become a screenwriter, and inspire a new generation of writers just by telling the raw and funny truth.

To learn more about Esotouric's forthcoming tour of John Fante's Bunker Hill, visit http://www.esotouric.com/fante

For info on the UCLA screenings of "The Exiles," see
http://www.cinema.ucla.edu/calendar/calendardetails.aspx?details_type=2&id=293

Upcoming Esotouric bus tour schedule (special events starred, all others maybe ridden by Season Pass holders):
Sat Aug.2 - Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: Route 66
*Sat Aug 9- Vroman's Bookstore ­ Haunts of A Dirty Old Man: Charles Bukowki's LA
Thurs Aug 14 - The Hippodrome (Downtown LA Art Walk Shuttle, free)
Sat Aug 16 - The Real Black Dahlia
Sat Aug 23 ­ Skylight Books - John Fante's Dreams from Bunker Hill
*Sat Aug 30 - Crawling Down Cahuenga: Tom Waits' LA
Sun Sept 7 - Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: South LA
Thurs Sept 11 - The Hippodrome (Downtown LA Art Walk Shuttle, free)
Sat Sept 13 - Blood & Dumplings ($5 dumpling fee for Season Pass holders)
Sat Sept 20 ­ Reyner Banham Loves Los Angeles: The Many Downtowns
*Sat Oct 4 ­ Bodhi Tree ­ Visionary Hollywood
Thurs Oct 9 - The Hippodrome (Downtown LA Art Walk Shuttle, free)
*Sat Oct 11- Vroman's Bookstore - Raymond Chandler's LA
Sat Oct 18- Raymond Chandler's Bay City
Sat Oct 25 ­ Halloween Horrors with Crimebo the Clown

"Trading Dirt with Simon Rodia & Allan Kaprow" to be screened

Watts Towers Arts Center/Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center and LA CITYVIEW 35 announce

TRADING DIRT WITH SIMON RODIA & ALLAN KAPROW
A film by Rosie Lee Hooks and Paul. S. Rogers

SCREENING: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 2:00 p.m.
Watts Towers Arts Center
1727 East 107th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90002


In ‘Trading Dirt With Simon Rodia & Allan Kaprow’, Host Rosie Lee Hooks takes us on a Happening with Artist-Storytellers Rogelio Acevedo, Augustine Aguirre, Domonique Moody, John Outterbridge, Margarita and Saul Pichardo, Kenzi Shiokava, Jacqueline and Roderick Sykes. Together, they share spontaneous conversations, storytelling, socialization and unrehearsed interactions while exchanging buckets of dirt.

Allan Kaprow, an American painter, assemblagist and a pioneer in establishing the concepts of performance art developed a new art form that came to be known as a "Happening". Just a few short years earlier, Simon Rodia, working alone for thirty-three years, using tile setter’s tools with no drawing board designs, scaffolding, bolts or welding finished the largest single work of art created by one man – The Watts Towers.

The production documents in a tangible form, the idea of circulating and giving back to the community and receiving and passing on ideas. The artist-storytellers are each directly involved in educating and providing leadership in arts education on a continuous basis at the Watts Towers Arts Center. ‘Trading Dirt With Simon Rodia & Allan Kaprow’ inter cuts vintage footage from the film ‘Watts Towers” by William Hale with contemporary images of the Watts Community, surrounding areas and St. Elmo Village.

As Kaprow said, "The line between art and life should be kept as fluid, and perhaps indistinct, as possible." The idea of having some of these mentors’ dirt and culture, mix directly with each other and Simon Rodia is a moment in time ‘Trading Dirt With Simon Rodia & Allan Kaprow’.

Artists, producers and more need to check out Black Iris

Just what IS Black Iris?

How do I find their digital singles?

Are they free?

Can I post them and share ‘em with my readers?

Who’s on their roster?

Who the heck are Fool's Gold and Flower of Doom?

The answers to all those questions and more below. READ ON!

With studios in NY, LA and Virginia, Black Iris is a collective of musicians rooted in the indie music scene who, outside of their bands, have been recording compositions and original scores to all kinds of media. From producers to engineers to composers, the collective has been ever growing since its formation. From all this creativity and good music spawned the Black Iris Singles Label. The Black Iris label will be in both digital and 7-inch format.

The first two singles will be released shortly. The first is from Fool's Gold, which is many of the members of indie darlings Foreign Born. The second will be from Flowers of Doom which is Cornbread Compton of Cursive and Josiah Steinback of Heavens, with a revolving selection of singers. The first Flowers of Doom single has the vocal styling of Tim Presley of Darker My Love. You can listen to and download both singles www.blackiris.tv/project/label

Why Black Iris?

The Black Iris Label is a platform for this collective of artists to showcase the music that they are making beyond the confines of the work they do for advertising, film and TV. The collective is a diverse group of musicians who are always making music either for TV, film, web or for their own projects or even as producers of friends projects. These musicians all work within the collective and want their various projects to be heard! Black Iris will create this outlet by sponsoring tours, curating live shows and releasing these singles both digitally and in a 7-inch format.

Black Iris has been making music within this format for awhile with musicians who have played in and toured with many bands including Foreign Born, Cursive, and Mazarin to name a few.

Many Black Iris songs might be familiar. You might hear snippets of them anywhere but the point is, if you dig em, you can’t find them. They have been living in some “music netherworld”, now that is not a problem. Black Iris will be making those songs available.

Michael Lington to release new effort in September

Saxophonist MICHAEL LINGTON will release his new CD HEAT, on September 2 on Nu Groove, crossing over into the mainstream pop/adult contemporary realm with vocal collaborations: That’s When You Save Me, an original track penned by hot young songwriter Claude Kelly (Leona Lewis), performed with soul legend AARON NEVILLE; and a rock-edged version of Gerry Rafferty’s classic Baker Street, with former American Idol finalist (and Grammy nominated songwriter) ACE YOUNG.

Lington co-produced seven of the tracks on HEAT with legendary session keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, whose credits range from Herbie Hancock’s Possibilities to Chris Botti’s To Love Again. Mega producer Keith Olsen (Fleetwood Mac, Santana, Grateful Dead) also contributed three cuts. Veteran musicians on the CD include keyboardist Randy Waldman, guitarists Michael Thompson and Kim Pierce; bassists Neil Stubenhaus and Nathan East; and drummers Teddy Campbell and Vinnie Colaiuta. Lington also introduces two rising female vocalists, U.K. born Keely Hawkes and Nashville based Janie Clewer.

Since the late 90’s, Lington has scored hit after Top 10 hit. A Copenhagen native, Lington began performing in the U.S. with such vocalists as Little Richard, Gary “U.S.” Bonds and Randy Crawford. His major breakthrough came with singer Bobby Caldwell, with whom he played from 1994-1998, and collaborated on the AC hit Tell It Like It Is. Lington’s 2000 breakthrough disc titled Vivid featured the #2 hit Twice In A Lifetime, and Sunset (Por Do Sol) which reached #4.

His third release Everything Must Change was chosen as one of 2002’s top contemporary jazz recordings by Jazziz magazine and spawned the Top 5 radio single Still Thinking Of You and Top 30 hit Off The Hook. 2004’s Stay With Me, his first release on fellow sax superstar Dave Koz’s Rendezvous Music, remained on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart for 24 weeks and yielded three major radio hits with Show Me (#2), Two Of A Kind (#2) and Pacifica (#6). His last CD, A Song For You included two popular singles, It’s Too Late and Tell Me All About It, a duet with Koz.

Lington recently opened for Barry Manilow with contemporary jazz keyboardist Brian Culbertson, and is lending his artistry to the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, which raises funds for children’s music programs and provides instruments to public schools throughout the U.S. He also participates in Create Now mentoring troubled teens in Los Angeles, and Acres of Love which provides for abandoned and AIDS-infected children in South Africa.

Shimmy Showcase Sunday

GREETINGS to Dancers and Friends of the Sunday evening SHIMMY SHOWCASE at Coffee Haven!

Everyone is invited to come out, have a cup of Java, munch on something yummy and enjoy some really great dancing FOR FREE!

Below is our upcoming schedule for the next several Sundays at the Coffee Haven Internet Cafe in Long Beach. If you are a dancer interested in performing at an upcoming showcase, please check out the schedule below for open dates and then email us at
shimmyshowcase@yahoogroups.com
with the dates on which you'd like to perform.

The SHIMMY SHOWCASE begins at 7 p.m. at the COFFEE HAVEN in Long Beach (1708 E. Broadway -- 562-437-3785).

UPCOMING SHOWCASE CALENDAR

August 3: Alexiis presents the sixth ShimmyShowcase “Burning Bellies” program featuring Hipsy Gypsies, Estra, and Shirin. This is a really fun theme and we hope you’ll come down to Coffee Haven for some really “hot” dancing!

August 10: This promises to be another great Shimmyshowcase as coordinator Saviya brings back LIVE MUSIC by Fernan Cobian on Arabic Ude, accompanied by some live percussionists as well. The talented Tehani, Najma, Marguerite, and Richie will also dazzle you with their dancing.

August 17: Xandra is pleased to be presenting MaraLena with her students Jennifer and Emelia for this Shimmyshowcase.

August 24: Abraiha, Shimmyshowcase coordinator for this evening, is pleased to be introducing new dancers May and Mia and other performers yet to be determined. This means we still have an opening or two, so if you would like to perform, please contact us at ShimmyShowcase@yahoogroups.com

August 31: No Shimmyshowcase this Holiday weekend. Have a great Labor Day!

September 7: Saviya, Shimmyshowcase coordinator for this evening, is pleased to present Shimmyshowcase founder Katerina and the Kabuki Dolls, as well as former Shimmyshowcase coordinator Kashmir with live music! This will be a great program you won’t want to miss!

September 14: Alexiis presents Sylvia and students for another exciting Shimmyshowcase. We still have an opening or two for dancers, so if you would like to perform, please contact us at ShimmyShowcase@yahoogroups.com

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Please allow time for parking to avoid missing any of the fun, so be sure to be at the coffee house well before 7:00 PM. We try not to start the show until everyone has settled with a tasty beverage.
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for additional information, please visit our website at: www.ShimmyShowcase.com

Queen acoustic release party

WHAT: Queen Acoustic Record Release Party and Buffet

WHERE: Colori Kitchen, 429 W 8th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014, (213) 622-5950

WHEN: Tuesday July 29th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

COST: $10 includes buffet dinner and music

­ As he serves pasta at downtown's most popular family-run trattoria, the celebrated Colori Kitchen, you might not guess that waiter Luca Spanio was nursing rock and roll dreams. Sure, there's the long black hair, and that certain bop in his step, and the graceful fingers that never drop a plate... but let us fill you in.

Luca came to America to study guitar and singing at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, and for his first CD he's recorded an all-acoustic celebration of the band he loves: Queen.

In live performance Luca sings like Freddie Mercury while picking ala Brian May on a sea blue guitar, offering sing-a-long favorites like "We Will RockYou," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and elegant rarities, plus a selection of original tunes.

Queen Acoustic was recently the hit of the downtown LA Hippodrome Art Walk shuttle bus, and has performed at The Derby, Charlie O's, Rainbow Bar & Grill, Knitting Factory, Kibitz Room and The Joint. On Tuesday, July 29, there's a rare chance to enjoy the music of Queen Acoustic and the stunning cooking of chef Luigi.

For more on Queen Acoustic, including song samples, visit
http://www.myspace.com/queenacoustic

For Colori Kitchen info, visit
http://colorikitchen.wordpress.com/